16 Jun 2025 • In a new multicenter matched analysis of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), lumbar drainage (LD) offered significant short-term advantages over external ventricular drainage (EVD).

LD was associated with lower 2-year mortality (15% vs. 27.1%) and better functional outcomes at discharge (34.0% vs. 45.5%; aOR 0.56).

The long-term functional outcomes were comparable between the groups (23.4% vs 22.0%) and in-hospital complication rates did not differ.

Mortality in the EVD group was linked to WFNS Grade IV–V, while in the LD group, older age (≥65 years) and diabetes were associated with increased risk.

The findings suggest LD may be a safer and more effective option for early postoperative CSF management in aSAH.

Source: Sage Journals | Read Full Story